Baw Baw welcomes return of Esports tournament in 2022

Baw Baw Shire Council has partnered with leading esports provider, the Australian Esports League to bring the second edition of the Baw Baw Esports Cup to the region. 

This esports tournament and gaming event will give gamers of all skill levels the chance to compete and win prizes, with the ultimate winners being crowned the champions of the region for 2022.

The games selected for this event cater for all levels of players and are family friendly. During selected matches, there will be a screen available for spectators with some commentary so that you can catch the action as it unfolds.

The event will include free play gaming open to all across gaming PCs and Nintendo Switch gaming consoles. The main focus of the event will be a series of tournaments with a combined $1,250 prize pool that includes Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) 1v1 competition, Mario Kart 8 racing competition and a Halo: Infinite 2v2 competition. In addition, for High Schools and students, the event will also include a SSBU 1v1 competition and a Minecraft Building competition exclusive to high school students aged 13+.

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, Michael Leaney welcomes The Baw Baw Esports Cup back to the region and notes “last year we saw players of all ages and experience levels competing in the tournament and most importantly, having fun! We look forward to the event’s return and encourage our community to come along and be part of the fun.”  

Australian Esports League (AEL) Chief Executive Darren Kwan added “last year the Esports cup experienced a strong turnout of gamers from the region and neighbouring areas, including nationally ranked players from Melbourne. Esports continues to grow across the country and this year’s event will provide a second opportunity for local gamers to showcase their talent and serves as an exciting draw card for visitors to the Baw Baw region”. 

The High Schools competition will give local students a chance to gain valuable competition experience in esports and to further pursue their interests.

Last year’s competitions were won by players: SebPro101, the champion of SSBU coming from Melbourne, Dura the champion of Mario Kart and Riley who took out the Just Dance competition. The AEL invites gamers to come along for a weekend of fun, to showcase their talent and to meet like-minded people.

Established in 2013, the AEL is a brand owned and operated by Critical Hit Entertainment Pty Ltd, a media and entertainment company focused on video game and esports events in Australia. The AEL is one of Australia’s leading esports promoters covering multiple facets of the esports ecosystem including Universities, High Schools, Local Clubs and councils plus a range of large scale esports events.

Taking place 9th-10th July 2022 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre in Warragul, the event is free but you must pre-register at: www.ael.org.au/bawbaw